Sightsavers and Bloomberg Launch $75M Initiative to Improve Global Eye Care

Sightsavers and Bloomberg Philanthropies have jointly introduced a $75 million global initiative to enhance eye care services, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The program aims to tackle untreated vision problems by providing screenings, distributing eyeglasses, and performing cataract surgeries.

The launch event in Abuja brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including academia, business leaders, health experts, government officials, students, and senior citizens. The initiative plans to conduct vision screenings for 11.5 million people, distribute nearly seven million pairs of eyeglasses, and perform cataract surgeries for 250,000 individuals in countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Professor Joi Shua Ibu, the Country Director of Sightsavers, emphasized the importance of addressing preventable vision loss to achieve sustainable development goals.